What's Happening?
The upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis, scheduled for November 14 in Miami, has been classified as an exhibition match by the Florida Athletic Commission. This decision was made due to the significant weight difference between the two fighters, with Davis weighing in at 133 ¾ pounds and Paul at 199 ½ pounds in their last respective fights. Originally planned to take place in Atlanta, the event was relocated to Miami following opposition from Georgia's boxing officials. The Florida Athletic Commission is currently reviewing details such as glove weight and the number of rounds, as adjustments are necessary for an exhibition fight.
Why It's Important?
The classification of the fight as an exhibition rather than a professional bout has implications for both the fighters and the promotion. Exhibition fights are not scored by official judges and do not affect a boxer's professional record, which can impact the marketability and betting interest in the event. Online betting companies like DraftKings are hesitant to post odds for exhibition matches, potentially reducing viewership and engagement. The decision reflects the challenges of organizing fights with significant weight disparities, which can pose safety concerns and regulatory hurdles.
What's Next?
The Florida Athletic Commission will continue to finalize the details of the exhibition match, including stipulations on glove weight and round count. Most Valuable Promotions, co-founded by Jake Paul, is promoting the fight to be streamed on Netflix, aiming to maintain interest despite the exhibition status. Adjustments will be made to ensure the fight adheres to exhibition regulations, and further announcements are expected as the event date approaches.
